.

Peron would spend 18 years away from his country before returning in 1973. Coinciding with the stagnation of the country’s economy, and increasing distrust of Peron by conservatives, his support began to wane.

Not with force, not with revolution, but through sheer will and popularity.

By the time Evita died of cancer at the age of 33 in 1952, she had gained a cult-like status, one that continues to exist even now, among generations of Argentinians who weren’t even alive when she was. He fell foul with the Catholic Church in Argentina, then (and still now) a formidable force in the country. 

He was excommunicated after trying to legalize prostitution and divorce, and his military opposers took advantage of the situation to launch a violent coup, which included bombing of Plaza De Mayo by the Air Force, resulting in the death of over 400 people.

Peron would spend the next 18 years in exile, first in Venezuela and Panama before eventually settling in Spain.

Peron in exile

The fact that the Peronist movement continued to grow and thrive in Argentina even during Peron’s exile, and considering that even uttering his name in public was made illegal, is testament to the indescribable power both Juan and Evita achieved. 

The ever-skilful diplomat, Peron continued to receive visits from prominent politicians in his home in Spain, and quite a few of his faithful followers won elections back home on a recurring basis.

By the time the 1973 elections took place, it was widely believed that the Peronist candidate, Hector Campora, was simply a stand-in for Peron.

Evita died at the age of 33 from cervical cancer, and her death was mourned by all of Argentina.

Evita had a complex character. An important political figure in her own right, she was known for her campaign for female suffrage (the right to vote), her support of organized labor groups, and her organization of a vast social welfare program that benefited and gained the support of the lower classes.

She even posed for pornographic publications, which were later collected and destroyed at her order. Therefore, the only means for Argentine women to achieve their goals was through sex, and Evita skillfully used it.

After marrying Juan Peron, she tried to destroy all evidence of her tumultuous youth. Taking over a suite of offices in the Secretariate of Labor, Perón's former center of power, she used her influence to hire and fire ministers and top officials of the General Confederation of Labor, the chief labor organization in Argentina.

It is likely that Evita remained faithful to Peron throughout their life together. Known to be a shrewd and calculating player, many describing him as the ultimate demagogue, Peron granted himself the very modest title of Secretary of Labour at first. 

He introduced numerous reforms aimed at improving working conditions, winning him support and loyalty of labour unions, attributes he would come to rely upon to build a very powerful political empire.

Evita, on the other hand, had a much more modest start in life, which would turn out to be pivotal in her rise to immense popularity.

Enjoying great popularity among the descamisados, Eva Perón helped greatly in maintaining the loyalty of the masses to the Perón administration. Her glamorous image was like an oasis to poorer Argentinians, especially women of course, who took it as proof that it was possible to rise from the rubbles of a meagre start to improve one’s standing in society. 

She became a real-life Cinderella on the arms of her powerful husband, and expertly carved an indispensable role for herself.

Whilst some view the Perons as champions of the people others see them as authoritarian dictators.